“Tour the surroundings of Villa de Leyva, where green fields, clay paths, and red desert form a fantastic journey.”

Electric Mountain Bikes
Unknown

Features
Commonly Bikepacked

Family Friendly
Top quality hotels and gastronomy sites in Villa de Leyva and Sutamarchan. Crafts in Ráquira.

Overview

The Roads of Clay Route travels through the fantastic landscapes of the department of Boyacá; the cradle of the great Colombian cyclists. Roads in Gachantivá, Santa Sofía, Villa de Leyva, Sutamarchán, Sáchica, and Ráquira, are where legends such as Nairo Quintana and Fabio Parra started, and where you can find the friendliest people in Colombia.

Here you'll explore green fields where all kinds of food are grown and where colonial convents remain in towns lost in time. In addition to vestiges of ancient settlers, prehistoric fossils, deserts, and the craft and pottery tradition, this route creates one of the most complete experiences to travel by bicycle.

Need to Know

All the route is signposted with tourist markers along main attractions.

Description

The trail starts in the town of Gachantiva with amazing green fields and spectacular views of the Moniquira River Canyon. It continues south, arriving at Santa Sofia, a small religious town close to two colonial convents. The ride follows the outskirts of Villa de Leyva, one of Colombia's most famous tourist destinations, and a beautiful town of cobblestone streets, white walls, and red clay roofs, where you'll be transported to older times.

Passing the town of Sachica, civilization is lost in La Candelaria Desert until the Monastery of La Candelaria, one of the oldest and most beautiful from colonial times. The route finally ends in Colombia's artisan capital, Ráquira, where craft traditions are the main event.

History & Background

This area was especially important in colonial times, but traces of ancient settlers and even pre-historic animals can be found, too.